What is it/How did I get it?
Tinea is caused by an overgrowth of the flora and fauna naturally found on the body which often appears as a dark pink/red patch of skin with associated peeling or dry skin around it. It is part of the fungus family and as a result is highly contagious and is often transmitted when people walk barefoot in the same area. The most likely cause of Tinea is picking it up at a place where you share a warm moist environment barefoot such as the local swimming pool or communal showers when traveling. Otherwise you can develop Tinea in times of stress, infection or taking medication.
Do I need to treat it?
The main problem that people complain of with Tinea is that it can get itchy or burn, however if left for a long period of time it can cause the skin to split and lead to more serious complications such as infections.
What should I do?
The first course of action is to get an accurate diagnosis. Tinea is commonly mis-diagnosed as dry skin or dermatitis as both have visual appearances similar to Tinea.
Once the correct diagnosis has been made, our Podiatrist can best advise between a number of regimes which will help relieve symptoms, as well as prevent re-infection. You may also be recommended a topical treatment to help eliminate the fungi responsible.